Plot Summary (OCR A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes
Plot summary
The Tempest follows a complex narrative of betrayal, magic, and ultimately reconciliation, all unfolding on a mysterious island over the course of a single day.
The opening storm
The play begins dramatically as a fierce tempest batters a ship at sea. On board are several important figures returning from a wedding in Tunis: Alonso (King of Naples), his son Ferdinand, Sebastian (Alonso's brother), Antonio, Gonzalo, and the servants Stephano and Trinculo. The royal passengers panic as the storm intensifies, though the Boatswain remains calm and focused on saving the vessel. Lightning strikes and the crew fear the worst, believing they will perish at sea.
This dramatic opening establishes the play's central image—the tempest itself—which gives the play its title. Shakespeare immediately plunges the audience into chaos and danger, creating tension and uncertainty that will drive the entire narrative.
Prospero's island and his backstory
The scene shifts to the island shore, where Miranda watches the shipwreck with distress. She begs her father, Prospero, to help the unfortunate souls on the vessel if he can. Prospero reassures his daughter that no one has been harmed, then reveals that the time has come for her to learn the truth about their past.
The story of exile
Prospero explains that he was once Duke of Milan, but his brother Antonio betrayed him. Working together with Alonso, King of Naples, Antonio orchestrated Prospero's removal from power. The conspirators placed Prospero and the infant Miranda on a raft and cast them out to sea to die. However, they survived because the kind-hearted Gonzalo secretly provided them with essential supplies and, crucially, Prospero's precious books—the source of his magical abilities.
The Central Betrayal
The usurpation of Prospero represents the play's inciting incident. Antonio's seizure of power twelve years earlier sets in motion all the events of the play. Understanding that Prospero was illegally overthrown by his own brother is essential to comprehending his motivations and the moral questions the play explores about revenge versus forgiveness.
For twelve years, Prospero and Miranda have lived on this remote island. Now, Fortune has finally brought Prospero's enemies within his reach, and he has used his magic to conjure the tempest, orchestrating the shipwreck as part of his plan for justice and reconciliation.
Ariel the spirit
After putting Miranda to sleep with a spell, Prospero summons Ariel, a spirit who serves as his chief magical agent. Their conversation reveals important details about the storm and its aftermath.
The tempest and its effects
Ariel reports that he successfully raised the tempest and set fire to the ship's mast as instructed. Despite the terrifying spectacle, he ensured that all passengers reached the island safely, though they have been separated into different groups across the island. Each group believes the others have perished in the storm.
Ariel's servitude
When Ariel reminds Prospero of his promise to grant freedom, Prospero grows stern. He recounts how he rescued Ariel from imprisonment. Before Prospero arrived on the island, a witch named Sycorax had trapped Ariel inside a tree for refusing to carry out her evil commands. When Sycorax died, Ariel remained imprisoned until Prospero freed him. In return, Ariel must serve Prospero faithfully. Chastened, Ariel accepts his role and agrees to continue his duties. Prospero instructs Ariel to assume the form of a sea nymph, remaining invisible to everyone except Prospero himself.
Ariel's Character
Ariel represents the airy, ethereal element of magic—quick, obedient, and capable of transformation. His desire for freedom creates sympathy for his character, even as he carries out Prospero's sometimes manipulative commands. The relationship between Prospero and Ariel explores themes of servitude, obligation, and the promise of liberation.
Caliban's role
Miranda awakens, and together she and Prospero visit Caliban, another inhabitant of the island. Caliban is the son of the deceased witch Sycorax and works as Prospero's servant.
A hostile relationship
Caliban bitterly curses Prospero, claiming that the island rightfully belongs to him as Sycorax's heir. Prospero and Miranda respond harshly, reminding Caliban that they treated him kindly and educated him, but he betrayed their trust. They now keep him as a servant, and Prospero threatens him with magical punishment if he disobeys. Resentfully, Caliban goes to collect firewood as commanded.
The Complexity of Caliban
Caliban's character presents one of the play's most morally complex relationships. Unlike Ariel, Caliban represents the earthy, physical element—connected to the island itself and its natural resources. His claim that the island was stolen from him raises uncomfortable questions about colonization, ownership, and the abuse of power. The play presents multiple perspectives on Caliban: victim, villain, and indigenous inhabitant displaced by European arrivals.
Ferdinand and Miranda's meeting
As Caliban departs, Ariel arrives playing enchanting music, leading Ferdinand to where Miranda and Prospero wait. This meeting represents the beginning of Prospero's plan for his daughter's future.
Love at first sight
Ferdinand and Miranda are immediately captivated by one another. For Miranda, Ferdinand is the first young man she has ever encountered apart from Caliban and her father. She finds him wonderfully handsome and noble. Ferdinand, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by Miranda's beauty and virtue.
Prospero's test
Though secretly pleased that his plan is working, Prospero decides he must test the relationship to ensure it develops properly. He cannot allow things to progress too easily. Prospero accuses Ferdinand of being an impostor and a spy rather than the true Prince of Naples. When Ferdinand draws his sword in protest, Prospero uses magic to freeze him and threatens imprisonment. Despite Miranda's passionate pleas for mercy, Prospero leads Ferdinand away as a prisoner. He then sends Ariel off on another secret mission.
Prospero's harsh treatment of Ferdinand isn't cruelty—it's a deliberate strategy. He wants to ensure that Ferdinand truly values Miranda and will treat her with the respect she deserves. By making Ferdinand work for her affection, Prospero guarantees that the prince will not take his daughter for granted.
The conspiracy against Alonso
Elsewhere on the island, Alonso and his companions have reached safety. The group includes Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and various attendant lords.
Alonso's grief
The king despairs over the apparent loss of his son Ferdinand, believing the prince drowned in the storm. Alonso expresses deep regret for arranging his daughter Claribel's marriage to the Prince of Tunis, reasoning that if he had not made this journey, Ferdinand would still be alive. Gonzalo attempts to lift everyone's spirits by remarking on the island's beauty and fertility, but Antonio and Sebastian respond with cynical, mocking comments.
A murder plot emerges
Ariel arrives invisibly and uses his magic to play soothing music that causes everyone except Antonio and Sebastian to fall asleep. The two conspirators immediately recognise an opportunity for political gain.
Antonio works to convince Sebastian that they should murder Alonso while he sleeps. He argues that Sebastian would then become King of Naples, since Ferdinand is presumed dead and Claribel (the rightful heir) is too far away in Tunis to claim the throne. Sebastian agrees to the scheme, and they draw their swords to commit the murder.
History Repeating Itself
Antonio's willingness to help Sebastian murder his brother mirrors his own betrayal of Prospero. This reveals that Antonio feels no remorse for his previous treachery and remains morally corrupt. The parallel between the two conspiracies—Antonio's past usurpation and this new murder plot—emphasizes the play's concerns with political ambition and the corrupting nature of power.
However, Ariel intervenes by causing Gonzalo to awaken with a sudden shout. Everyone else wakes as well, and Antonio and Sebastian hastily invent an absurd story about drawing their weapons to protect the king from attacking lions. Ariel returns to report to Prospero whilst Alonso and his party continue searching for Ferdinand.
The comic subplot: Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo
A parallel storyline develops involving the island's less noble inhabitants, providing both humour and a darker echo of the main conspiracy plot.
An unlikely alliance
Caliban encounters Trinculo whilst carrying firewood and mistakes him for one of Prospero's tormenting spirits. Seeking shelter from an approaching storm, Caliban hides beneath his cloak. Trinculo, finding Caliban's appearance strange but intriguing, decides to take shelter under the same cloak.
Stephano then arrives, drunk and singing loudly. He discovers the bizarre sight of Caliban and Trinculo huddled together and initially believes he has found a strange, four-legged monster. When Caliban cries out, begging the "spirits" to leave him alone, Stephano offers the creature alcohol. Eventually, Trinculo reveals himself, and the three begin drinking together. Caliban quickly develops a taste for wine and starts singing enthusiastically.
Comic Relief and Parallel Structure
This subplot provides comic relief through drunken antics and absurd situations, but it also serves a serious dramatic purpose. The alliance between Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo creates a third conspiracy alongside the political plot (Antonio/Sebastian) and the romantic plot (Ferdinand/Miranda). This structure demonstrates how ambition and desire for power affect all levels of society, from nobles to servants.
Ferdinand's trial
Prospero sets Ferdinand to the arduous task of hauling and stacking wood—the same labour he demands from Caliban. However, Ferdinand accepts this harsh treatment willingly because his love for Miranda makes the work feel meaningful rather than burdensome.
A marriage proposal
Miranda appears when she believes her father is asleep (though Prospero actually remains on stage, observing invisibly). She urges Ferdinand to rest and the two engage in tender conversation. Their affection deepens, and Miranda boldly proposes marriage. Ferdinand joyfully accepts her offer. Prospero, witnessing this development from his hidden position, is delighted that his plan for their union is succeeding.
Caliban's conspiracy
The drinking session between Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo takes a darker turn. Ariel arrives invisibly and begins mischievously impersonating their voices, provoking arguments among the three. Despite this interference, Caliban becomes increasingly passionate about his hatred for Prospero.
A plot to murder Prospero
Caliban reveals to Stephano that he knows where Prospero sleeps and proposes a murderous plan: they will kill Prospero, seize Miranda, and establish Stephano as the new ruler of the island. Stephano enthusiastically embraces this scheme. The three conspirators prepare to find Prospero, but become distracted when Ariel plays mysterious music on his flute and tabor-drum. They decide to follow the enchanting sounds before carrying out their assassination plot.
The Dark Parallel
Caliban's conspiracy against Prospero creates a disturbing parallel to the noble conspiracy. While the comic subplot provides humour, it also reveals that the desire to murder and seize power is not limited to the aristocracy. Caliban's plan to kill Prospero and give Miranda to Stephano shows how cycles of violence and betrayal can perpetuate themselves across all social classes.
The banquet scene
The noble search party—Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio—grows exhausted from wandering the island and stops to rest. Antonio and Sebastian quietly plot to take advantage of their companions' weariness, planning to kill them when evening comes.
Divine intervention
Prospero, likely positioned on a balcony above the stage and invisible to those below, causes supernatural spirits to present an elaborate banquet before the hungry men. Just as the travellers prepare to eat, Ariel appears in the terrifying form of a harpy—a mythological creature that is part woman, part bird—and causes the feast to vanish.
Accusation and guilt
Ariel delivers a powerful speech, accusing the men of betraying Prospero and stealing his dukedom. He declares that for this sin against Prospero, Alonso has lost his son Ferdinand. The spirit then vanishes, leaving Alonso overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and remorse.
The harpy scene represents a moment of divine judgment. In mythology, harpies were agents of punishment sent by the gods. By having Ariel assume this form, Shakespeare suggests that Prospero's enemies are being confronted not just by human magic, but by a higher moral order that demands accountability for their crimes.
The masque
Having tested Ferdinand sufficiently, Prospero softens his attitude and welcomes the young prince as his future son-in-law. However, he issues a stern warning: Ferdinand must not break Miranda's "virgin-knot" (her virginity) until after they are properly married.
A magical celebration
To celebrate the betrothal, Prospero asks Ariel to summon spirits to perform an entertainment. The spirits assume the forms of Roman goddesses—Ceres (goddess of agriculture), Juno (queen of the gods), and Iris (goddess of the rainbow and divine messenger)—and present a masque celebrating marriage and the earth's fertility. The performance includes a beautiful dance involving reapers and nymphs.
Sudden interruption
The masque is abruptly cut short when Prospero suddenly remembers the conspiracy against his life. He dismisses the spirits hastily and questions Ariel about Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. Ariel describes how he used his music to lead the three would-be assassins through painful, prickly vegetation and eventually into a foul-smelling pond near Prospero's dwelling.
The Masque's Significance
The masque represents Prospero's power at its height—his ability to command spirits to create beautiful illusions and entertainment. However, its sudden interruption when he remembers Caliban's plot reveals the limits of magic and control. Even the most powerful enchanter cannot escape the demands of reality and the threats posed by human treachery.
The trap
Prospero and Ariel prepare a clever snare for the conspirators. They hang rich, beautiful clothing in Prospero's cell as bait.
When Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban arrive to murder Prospero, they discover the fine garments. Despite Caliban's urgent warnings that they should focus on their murderous task, Stephano and Trinculo become distracted by the clothing and decide to steal it. At that moment, Prospero and Ariel set upon them with a pack of spirits transformed into hunting dogs and hounds, chasing and tormenting them as punishment for their treachery.
The final reconciliation
The play moves toward its resolution as Prospero prepares to confront his old enemies and complete his plan.
Bringing enemies together
Prospero instructs Ariel to gather Alonso and his companions and bring them before him. Ariel also fetches the Boatswain and mariners from where they have been sleeping on the wrecked ship. When the group assembles, Prospero confronts Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian directly with their past treachery.
Forgiveness and revelation
Rather than seeking revenge, Prospero declares that he forgives them all. Alonso speaks sorrowfully of losing Ferdinand in the tempest. Prospero responds mysteriously that he, too, has recently lost his daughter. To clarify his meaning, he draws aside a curtain to reveal Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess together.
Amazement and joy
The reunion astonishes everyone. Alonso and his companions marvel at the miracle of Ferdinand's survival. Miranda, who has lived isolated on the island, expresses wonder at seeing so many other human beings, speaking the famous line about "such people in't" (referring to the "brave new world"). Ferdinand tells his father about his engagement to Miranda, and Alonso gives his blessing to the union.
The Choice of Forgiveness
Prospero's decision to forgive rather than punish represents the play's central moral transformation. Despite having the power to destroy his enemies, he chooses mercy over vengeance. This act of forgiveness demonstrates that true power lies not in the ability to harm others, but in the wisdom to show compassion. The reconciliation scene suggests that breaking cycles of revenge requires conscious moral choice.
The return to Milan
Ariel brings forward the Boatswain and mariners, who report that they have awakened from a mysterious sleep that apparently lasted from the time of the storm. The Boatswain confirms that the ship, though they believed it wrecked, is actually intact and ready to sail.
Final justice
At Prospero's command, Ariel releases Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, who enter still wearing their stolen clothing. Prospero and Alonso order them to return the garments and clean Prospero's cell as punishment for their conspiracy.
Plans for the future
Prospero invites Alonso and the others to remain on the island for the night, during which time he will tell them the full story of his twelve years in exile. The next day, the entire party will sail for Italy. Prospero will return to Milan and resume his position as Duke, then retire. Before departing the island forever, Prospero gives Ariel one final task—to ensure calm seas for their voyage home—and then grants the faithful spirit his long-promised freedom.
The epilogue
In the play's conclusion, Prospero directly addresses the theatre audience. He acknowledges his own wrongdoing and asks the spectators to forgive him and "set him free" through their applause, just as he has forgiven those who wronged him. This metatheatrical moment blurs the line between Prospero the character and the actor performing the role, whilst also emphasising the play's themes of forgiveness and liberation.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
The epilogue is remarkable for its metatheatrical quality—Prospero speaks directly to the audience, stepping outside the play's fiction. By asking for applause to "set him free," he draws a parallel between theatrical performance and the magic he has wielded throughout the play. Just as Prospero must release his magical powers and forgive his enemies, the actor must be released from his role through the audience's approval.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- The entire action of the play occurs in a single day, though Prospero's backstory spans twelve years of exile
- Prospero orchestrates the tempest using his magic; no one actually dies in the shipwreck
- Three parallel plots develop:
- The political conspiracy (Antonio and Sebastian)
- The romantic storyline (Ferdinand and Miranda)
- The comic subplot (Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo)
- Ariel represents an airy, obedient servant who longs for freedom, whilst Caliban represents an earthy, resentful servant who feels the island was stolen from him
- The play's central theme is forgiveness rather than revenge—Prospero ultimately chooses to pardon his enemies rather than punish them
- The usurpation: Antonio betrayed his brother Prospero and seized the dukedom of Milan with Alonso's help
- The resolution involves multiple reunions and reconciliations: Alonso with Ferdinand, Ferdinand with Miranda, and Prospero with his former enemies
- Prospero's magic comes from his books, which Gonzalo secretly provided during the exile
- The play concludes with Prospero abandoning his magic, freeing Ariel, and returning to Milan to reclaim his dukedom